The Office of Research Compliance is within the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and is broadly responsible for oversight of the review, development, and implementation of policies related to research compliance activities across the University. The Office of Research Compliance works collaboratively with offices both in Central Administration and within the Schools to integrate and coordinate compliance requirements across the University toward the overall effort of managing potential risks. The office also manages a number of University-wide Committees and coordinates comments on regulatory issues (e.g. proposed new regulations by agencies) pertaining to research activities where institutional responses are warranted.
Reporting to, and working under, the direct supervision of the University Chief Research Compliance Officer, the Associate Research Compliance Administrator (ARCA) works closely with various OVPR and other stakeholders to meet the goals and objectives of the Office of Research Compliance. S/he completes compliance related tasks in support of the office, including but not limited to coordinating as well as representing the OVPR in committee meetings; reviewing and/or completing internal or external forms for compliance-related functions; assisting in the development and management of research compliance policies and procedures; assisting in the development and implementation of training for individuals and groups across the University through workshops, websites, and other venues as appropriate.
The ARCA works closely with advisory committees, administrative units within the schools (e.g. Sponsored Programs Administration Offices, Compliance Units, Human and Animal Subject Protection Programs and Committees, Research Integrity Officers, etc.) as well as central units such as the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP); Office of the General Counsel (OGC); Risk Management & Audit Services (RMAS), HU Information Technology (HUIT), Harvard Global Services; Office of Environmental Health, Safety and Emergency Management, etc.
To meet the needs and objectives of the Office of Research Compliance - and in addition to technical knowledge of the regulatory environment - coordination and communication are key functions of the ARCO with regard to planning, developing, implementing, and monitoring the compliance program. Specific research regulatory activities cover a wide range of topics such as Conflicts of Interest in research, Export Control, protection of Human Subjects in Research, Animal Care and Use programs, Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety, Research Misconduct, Stem Cell Research, Research Data and Privacy, International Research Compliance, etc. The ARCR will work on any number of these topics by serving as the focal point for compliance activities.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities- Managing and monitoring the implementation of compliance program elements, including reviewing international research regulations for any university-wide impact.
- Managing the pre-submission and post-award Provostial Review process by analyzing and reviewing human subjects research as well as grant proposals for university projects that pose potential reputational risks or are unusually large and/or complex.
- Independently determining and articulating on behalf of the OVPR whether additional review by university leadership is warranted for high-risk university projects, or providing approval for such projects to move forward;
- Developing institutional policies, procedures, guidelines, and programs that enable the conduct of research while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Developing, coordinating, and providing guidance for a multifaceted educational and training program that focuses on the elements of the compliance program, and seeks to ensure that all appropriate employees and managers are knowledgeable about pertinent policies and federal and state standards.
- Managing and staffing high-level university-wide committees including, but not limited to, the Sponsored Administration Leadership Executive Committee, the Harvard University Data Group, and various ad-hoc committees appointed by the OVPR;
- Coordinating internal compliance review and monitoring activities, including periodic reviews of policies and programs.
- Staying abreast of evolving requirements pertaining to research administration and compliance legislation, regulation, and policies;
- Participating in investigation of matters related to compliance, including designing and coordinating internal investigations (e.g. with RMAS, School units, or OGC) and any resulting corrective action.
- Acting as project manager for specific OVPR programs and representing the OVPR in committees such as the Undergraduate Research Training Program Committee.
- Other duties as assigned.
The ARCA must possess the ability to operate independently and with minimal supervision, exercising excellent judgment. S/he must possess the ability to work well with and coordinate among a wide variety of high-level constituents, with excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong attention to detail and the ability to review, summarize, and analyze complicated written materials is a must.
During the current period of Covid-19 related restrictions, this position may start as a remote position, with transition to onsite in Cambridge when the office reopens.
We continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 and lifting of restrictions. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process. We will be conducting interviews virtually for selected candidates until further notice.
Salary Grade: 056
Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary |
